Guwahati : Assam has been ranked 24th among 36 states and Union territories in the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, which evaluated states on export readiness and growth potential, according to NITI Aayog.

Exports from Assam stood at ?3,700 crore in the 2024 financial year. Tea continues to dominate the state’s export basket, reflecting Assam’s global reputation in the sector. Other notable export categories include coke and semicoke, benefitting from local coal resources, as well as medicaments from pharmaceutical hubs near Guwahati. Coal and bituminous coal also contribute to resource-based exports through state-owned mining operations.

The NITI Aayog report assessed states across four major dimensions-export infrastructure, business ecosystem, export performance, and policy and governance-covering 70 parameters. Assam ranked below its northeastern neighbours Nagaland and Tripura.

The report highlighted untapped opportunities in wood charcoal, shell/nut wood, fragrances, cosmetics, and sesame seeds, noting that improved value addition, processing infrastructure, and certification schemes could help these products reach global markets, especially in East and Southeast Asia.

Despite infrastructure improvements, Assam’s export base remains narrow, with tea accounting for over half of merchandise exports. This over-reliance exposes the state to global price fluctuations, climate risks, and limited high-value job creation, prompting youth migration to larger cities.

Other challenges include a shortage of NABL-accredited and EIC-approved testing centres, forcing exporters to depend on out-of-state labs, leading to higher costs and delays. Limited cold chain infrastructure and cargo services further constrain logistics efficiency, while dependence on third-party logistics hubs increases operational costs.

The state’s export concentration also poses a risk, with Bhutan accounting for 23% of total exports, and informal trade practices like under-invoicing and bypassing standard channels undermine transparency, product traceability, and overall export competitiveness.

The report underscores the need for diversification, value addition, and enhanced infrastructure to strengthen Assam’s export ecosystem and make it more resilient to global shocks.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally